| Ok, so your computer is getting a little older, and | | | | delete the offending files, cookies, and |
| seems to be running slower. You're not a | | | | troublesome garbage on your system. I have |
| computer expert (and I don't claim to be either), | | | | been using this for sometime now, and haven't |
| however, you're not sure what to do or what the | | | | had any problems with it wreaking havoc on a |
| cause is. | | | | system as it primarily looks for specific threats |
| Recently, several friends have brought me their | | | | related to browser history, etc. |
| computers, and have had the same issue. So, I | | | | You might receive a prompt that it can't delete all |
| thought I would write about what I do to try to | | | | of the offending files because some of them are |
| 'restore' them back to a better, more usable | | | | in use. It will ask you if you want it to rescan and |
| condition. I hope this helps, and it is in no means a | | | | or remove them upon startup. This is fine as the |
| complete or exhaustive listing of problems and | | | | program will run again the next time you start |
| their solutions. I use Google as it is a powerful tool | | | | your computer and catch most, if not all, of the |
| for finding assistance in solving problems. It is | | | | files. |
| where I usually turn for advice, and solutions to | | | | Spybot: |
| most of the more common problems that | | | | Spybot is a more in depth spyware and adware |
| spyware and adware, including viruses, can cause. | | | | removal tool. You can find download links for your |
| So, here goes! | | | | free copy by visiting the Spybot website. It is |
| Adware and Spyware: | | | | relatively user friendly, and has a couple of neat |
| One of the most problematic issues that I find on | | | | features. One of the features is it will create a |
| any system, including the ones I maintain at one | | | | backup of your registry system as part of the |
| of my jobs, is dealing with adware and spyware | | | | installation process. This is a good idea from the |
| problems. | | | | standpoint that if you happen to delete a file |
| These are those annoying programs and files that | | | | during a removal process, and needed that file, |
| get downloaded onto your computer while surfing | | | | you can restore your registry. |
| the web, or downloading those beautiful screen | | | | Another useful item is that Spybot will allow you |
| savers and 'helpful' toolbars. The problem is that | | | | to 'immunize' your system. What this means is |
| most people use Internet Explorer (IE) for surfing | | | | that you can help prevent future attacks and |
| the web. Not to say that IE isn't a good browser | | | | installations of spyware by 'immunizing' files that |
| (it really isn't), but I'll leave that up to you. I | | | | are common attack points. This doesn't guarantee |
| prefer, and strongly recommend Mozilla Firefox. I | | | | that you won't get future spyware / adware, but |
| can't say enough about it, other than since I have | | | | it does help! |
| been using it for over a year, I have had NO | | | | This has about 63,000 known trojans, spyware, |
| adware or spyware problems. But, I also don't | | | | and adware programs and files that it scans for, |
| download screen savers and toolbars, or click on | | | | and I'm sure you will find that there are a lot of |
| those 'You can win a trip to the moon' flashing | | | | things on your computer that you had no idea |
| boxes that appear on some sites. Firefox also has | | | | were there when you first scan. |
| multiple different themes, plugins, and other neat | | | | Virus Removal: |
| items that you can install into it that makes it | | | | Ok, so there are some nasty bugs out there. Just |
| really neat to use. | | | | as you might get the flu and feel pukey and |
| Programs I use: | | | | feverish, your computer can get the 'flu' too! A lot |
| For removal of spyware and adware issues, I use | | | | of the viruses are getting nastier as the days go |
| two programs mostly. These are both very user | | | | by, so if you don't have anti-virus software, |
| friendly for novices and have advanced capabilities | | | | especially if you are using a Windows computer, |
| for more advanced users. I strongly recommend | | | | you are rolling the dice on getting the 'flu' or even |
| Ad-Aware and Spybot. I will describe each in | | | | the 'Asian bird flu'. It is well worth the money, |
| more detail now. | | | | especially if you use the internet or download any |
| Ad-Aware: | | | | files. However, there are a couple of free |
| You can download the free, personal edition of | | | | scanners out there that you can use. |
| Ad-Aware by visiting the Lavasoft page. | | | | AVG Free antivirus scanner |
| Download this program, let it install, and once it is | | | | Trend Micro antivirus scanner (online) |
| installed, it will prompt you to update the | | | | And there are many more out there, just Google |
| definitions file. For most installations, you can use | | | | it. Plus, some of the major antivirus companies will |
| the 'Full System Scan' option, and it will clean it up. | | | | let you download a free, trial version for 30 days |
| You will be amazed at how much junk it finds on | | | | before you have to purchase, just check around |
| your system. Once the scan is complete, just | | | | for those. |
| click 'next' and it will automatically quarantine or | | | | |